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Surface (Guarding Her Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.3 out of 5 stars 1,359 ratings

She was off limits.

Too young.

The boss's daughter.

Forbidden.

I knew it all along, but it didn't change the absolute possession I felt when it came to her... nothing would change how I felt about her.

So I did what I had to; I waited until the time was right to make her mine, only to find out there is one thing that could ruin it all.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Surface was the perfect mix sweet and sexy. Royce is tough as nails, protective, and sweet. Paisley is strong, funny and smart. I cannot wait to read more of Anna Brooks' books and see more of Paisley/Royce's HEA in future books in this series."
~Christi Love4Books.me

"Anna Brooks' talent was very well displayed with this newest story, especially since I devoured it cover to cover... CANNOT WAIT for more of this series! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!"
~ Jennifer Pierson: The Power of Three Readers

From the Author

"I've had eyes on you all night, and ain't nothin' gonna change that, precious. This dress..." His fingertip slides across my bare belly, and I sway. "It shows so much skin, and all these horny little jerks are just waiting to make their play for you. Nobody's gonna touch this body while I'm around."

I can't move. Can barely breathe. It's not like this is the first time he's touched me... but it is the first time he's touched me like this.

I jump when his hand touches my outer thigh. "So much skin. They're dyin' to get between your legs and see if the rest of you is just as soft."

"Royce." I... what? Beg, cry, whine. I don't even know.

"Yeah?" His scruffy face rubs against my neck, and his lips caress the shell of my ear. "Say my name, baby."

"Royce."

His throat rumbles, and then he's gone, leaving me a shivering mess. My throat tightens, and I put a hand to it, feeling my pulse throbbing against my palm.When I turn around, he's closer than I expected. I don't know what to say or even what I'm feeling. He dips his head and aligns our eyes but doesn't speak.I can't take the intensity, so I whisper, "Royce."

♠️

They will risk it all to protect what's theirs.

Nobody gets in their way and nothing will stop them.

These are the men of Royal Ace Security.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07C3CPZGR
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 9, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.6 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 12 ‏ : ‎ Guarding Her
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,359 ratings

About the author

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Anna Brooks
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The first time Anna read a romance novel, she leaned over a candle to sneak a peek at her mom’s Harlequin. She only got a few sentences in before her hair caught on fire, and her love of happily ever afters began.

Anna was born in Wisconsin but currently lives in Texas. She is the proud wife of a retired Coastie and an even prouder mother to two amazing sons.

When she’s not writing, you can find her doing a puzzle, watching reruns of her favorite rom-coms, or attempting to stay in shape by walking her rescue dogs.

She loves to hear from readers and can be found on social media at @annabrooksauth everywhere, or you can contact her from her website.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,359 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's storyline engaging with good plot twists and passion throughout. Moreover, the writing style receives positive feedback for being beautifully crafted, and customers appreciate the amazing characters and fast-paced narrative. Additionally, they consider it a great start to a new series.

32 customers mention "Storyline"32 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book, praising its suspenseful plot twists and passion-filled narrative.

"...The storyline is intense and succinct and readers will be enthralled by the dynamics of the story...." Read more

"...I LOVE this! I love that the story is ABOUT their relationship, and there is definitely some drama, but it's outside & they are together for..." Read more

"This story was about love, longing, lust; forbidden attraction; an older man with a younger woman. Fear, sex, desire….and I was here for all of it...." Read more

"...Liked how the story unfolded and would read more from this author." Read more

21 customers mention "Enjoyment"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and entertaining, with some mentioning it's addictive and keeps readers engaged until the end, while one customer particularly loved the characters Paisley and Royce.

"...Love, lust, suspense, mystery and 2 main characters you will totally fall in love with...." Read more

"...But alas, it was a quick and somewhat enjoyable read (at least the suspense part of it was). 3.5" Read more

"This story was about love, longing, lust; forbidden attraction; an older man with a younger woman. Fear, sex, desire….and I was here for all of it...." Read more

"...This story was wide reaching and addictive" Read more

20 customers mention "Writing style"20 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style of the book, with one customer noting it's believable from the first page and another mentioning it has all the right tropes.

"...The storyline is intense and succinct and readers will be enthralled by the dynamics of the story...." Read more

"...The world-building that happens w/ Anna Brooks is so well done that every time I read a new story from her, I want to REread the stories before -..." Read more

"...This has no gritty or any dark reference but just a taboo-ness of lusting after you boss’s 14 year old daughter, kissing her at 16 and claiming her..." Read more

"...They were meant to be. Descriptive, heartwarming, and passionate. Some growing pains, relationship mending with family...." Read more

12 customers mention "Character development"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...There is so much going one because the author has so many characters to set up and storyline to concentrate on...." Read more

"...It was an enjoyable read. The characters were developed well enough I’m even interested in reading on." Read more

"Very entertaining! Great story line, setting and characters. I enjoyed the author's writing style as well. Should be a good series!" Read more

"...Characters strong, story line fluid...." Read more

7 customers mention "Series start"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this book as a great start to a new series.

"Surface is the first book in a new series and it will entice you from 1st page to last...." Read more

"...Great follow up book." Read more

"...I enjoyed the author's writing style as well. Should be a good series!" Read more

"...Great romance, strong alpha male and even stronger woman. A great start to a great series! Love Anna Brooks" Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book fast.

"...But alas, it was a quick and somewhat enjoyable read (at least the suspense part of it was). 3.5" Read more

"...I was hooked from the beginning. I loved the plot and pace of this story. This was a first time read for me by this author...." Read more

"This was a fast but enjoyable read. I thought the age difference would turn me off, but he waited until she was older, so that helped...." Read more

"Lots of drama, and passion packed into this book. Pacing was good. Loooooved how it was Royce and her against the world...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Surface is the first book in a new series and it will entice you from 1st page to last. There is so much going one because the author has so many characters to set up and storyline to concentrate on. This book is first and foremost about family. Whether they be blood related or found family there is so much about family that will make you crazy especially when children start there own families. The storyline is intense and succinct and readers will be enthralled by the dynamics of the story. Love, lust, suspense, mystery and 2 main characters you will totally fall in love with. This is the first book by Anna Brooks that i have read but it definitely will not be the last.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I went in expecting a forbidden bosses daughter bodyguard romance. I was expecting angst and longing and some suspense, but instead I got a bunch of stuff thrown at me from all directions. I liked it for the most part, mostly because Paisleys parents book was one of my first reads of this authors so I was looking forward to her story. But I couldn’t get past the ick Royce gave me in the beginning.. The whole thing with him lusting after her when she was 16 and he was 23? Yeah sorry bud, no. I couldn’t get over it the entire time I was reading it. But alas, it was a quick and somewhat enjoyable read (at least the suspense part of it was). 3.5
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Steady (which is about Paisley's adoptive parents) is one of my all-time favorites by this author - which is saying a lot because I pretty much am in love with ALL of her books! Paisley & Royce's story jumps right in to their relationship, and they're together for most of the book. I LOVE this! I love that the story is ABOUT their relationship, and there is definitely some drama, but it's outside & they are together for it.

    The world-building that happens w/ Anna Brooks is so well done that every time I read a new story from her, I want to REread the stories before - and I want the next stories to be available RIGHTNOW! ;) So, I highly recommend this author, and especially this story. It's gonna make you want to go back & read all her other work if you haven't already! : )
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    But I didn’t love it.
    The timelines jump around more then I like without out a clue unless you read farther along. The big ‘drama’ was a let go, the enemy was an abused girl that Paisley shared a foster home with, and Brainley was more then just abused, she was a victim but her hatred was targeted to Paisley before Paisley got out and adopted without the pain that she suffered.
    I can feel the connection between Royce and Paisley but I felt it was more of an obsession with possession then love. I wasn’t fully connected to their story and all the ‘so-so is perfect’ was getting a bit much for me. This has no gritty or any dark reference but just a taboo-ness of lusting after you boss’s 14 year old daughter, kissing her at 16 and claiming her at 19 with a shocking surprise weeks later.
    9 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This story was about love, longing, lust; forbidden attraction; an older man with a younger woman. Fear, sex, desire….and I was here for all of it. Can’t wait to read another one by this author.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Royce was hired to protect Paisley and as she grew older he realized she was going to be his. The problem though was she was too young and he waited until she was older to finally make his move. Paisley though is angry thinking that Royce doesn't have feelings for her and doesn't understand why he is all of the sudden acting like he cares. Can Royce be the man Paisley always thought he could be or is she wrong?

    This was a pretty good forbidden romance. I thought Paisley was a bit naïve at times but overall the chemistry between Paisley and Royce is terrific. Liked how the story unfolded and would read more from this author.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Paisley is sweet adopted daughter of Erik and Polly from the book Steady. This is a stand alone. I highly recommend reading Steady first. Royce works as security expert for Erik's company. He is hired to watch over her. Paisley has been totally crushing on Royce for years. They have some obstacles to overcome before they get together a major one is their age difference. Royce is such a perfect protector to Paisley. Royce is so tender and sweet to her. Their chemistry is off the charts. Anna is one click author for me I love her words. I cannot wait for Carter' story and rest of books in this series.
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved this first book in a new series by this author! Royce is such an alpha male. Paisley is the younger daughter of his boss and often his responsibility to guard. Royce wants her but knows he must wait until she is old enough and is most likely not going to get his boss’ permission. Paisley wanted him just as much but when she finds out exactly where he has been the last few years, she wants nothing more than for him to be gone. But now that Royce has her and she still might be at risk, he is not letting go.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • For The Love of Fictional Worlds
    4.0 out of 5 stars Emotional and Heady Romance!
    Reviewed in India on February 6, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    While the age gap between the hero and heroine irked me at first; it was smoothly handled by the author! I definitely enjoyed Royce’s protective nature and Paisely’s optimistic attitude - though Royce and some other events did overshadow Paisley’s character development.

    I am really excited to see how and where the author takes this series! ♥️
  • TheMarshalls20
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bodyguard romance! Love love love!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 28, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Royce and Paisley are just couple goals, honestly so cute! I loved the way each of their stories were told and how it filtered into the book perfectly. I love romance when the guy has a tough exterior but is soft as anything for his girl.
    There was twists and turns and they along with their adorable relationship kept me totally hooked!
    I really liked this book and would definitely consider reading more of this bodyguard series.
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 19, 2020
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Loved this story & the characters. Will be interesting to see them pop up over the rest of the series.
  • Angela Hayes
    4.0 out of 5 stars I have loved Ms. Brooks Pleasant Valley series
    Reviewed in Australia on April 25, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    4 Stars

    Surface is the first book in the Guarding Her series by Anna Brooks. This is the start of a new series and if this book is anything to go by, the series is set to be superb. I have loved Ms. Brooks Pleasant Valley series, but I must admit that the thought did cross my mind that she probably wouldn’t dazzle me as much with this new book/series. Well, I am happy to say that I was completely wrong. Ms. Brooks definitely got the recipe right with this fantastic story. After all, it is a bit of a spin-off from “Steady: Pleasant Valley Series Book #3”. I should never have doubted it!
    Paisley moved across the country to New York, to attend college. Experiencing New York was something she had always wanted to do, and she had been really excited to taste everything the city had to offer. Being so far away from her overly protective parents and embracing some independence was a plus in her eyes, too. But, all her plans get side tracked when she wakes up in the hospital to find ‘him’ at her bed side. She is confused, angry and hurt. He was the last person she wanted to see, he had left several years earlier, without so much as a goodbye. She had only been a teen when they met, he was older, but they became friends. She developed a huge crush on him and thought that he had cared about her, but when he left she decided that he hadn’t cared at all. But why is he there now?
    Royce King worked for Royal Ace Security and had been assigned to protect his boss’s daughter. They developed a solid friendship, but as time passed and Paisley began to blossom into a beautiful young woman, he knew he needed to stay away from her because she was much too tempting. Forbidden fruit. He wanted to make her his, but he would wait until she was old enough. In the meantime, he needed to keep busy, as far away from her as possible, because he wasn’t sure his resolve was strong enough to be in her company and not give in to his yearning.
    So, now Paisley is grown up and circumstances have brought them back together. Can Royce convince Paisley that he really did and does care? Does Paisley still feel the same about Royce, or has she long since moved on? Will the spark that burned between them finally ignite? Or has too much time elapsed and taken their chance with it? What happens when a surprising development threatens to destroy what they have?
    This is a wonderful story full of drama, suspense, spice, romance, and lots more. It’s well worth the read!

    Thank you, Ms. Brooks!
  • Susanne
    3.0 out of 5 stars romance no suspense
    Reviewed in Australia on October 19, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a weird one for me, I normally don’t mind a good romance but this one was all over the place, at moments the story could have been more deeply done then just brushed over. The first 50% is really just them being together and nothing really happened to build the story up. And when something happened it was rather obvious who did it… unfortunately it puts me off on buying the 2nd book seeing the whole book is a whole lot of nothing for atleast 75%. I personally like more depth in a story line and build up.

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